Dhaka, Dec 15, (V7N) - For the first time, the President of Timor-Leste, José Ramos-Horta, has arrived in Bangladesh on an official visit. He landed in Dhaka on Saturday night, marking a significant diplomatic visit. The visit is at the invitation of Professor Dr. Muhammad Yunus, Bangladesh's prominent social entrepreneur and Nobel laureate. Accompanying President Ramos-Horta is a 19-member delegation, including Timor-Leste's Foreign Minister, the President's Chief Advisor, and other high-ranking officials from the Timorese government.

The diplomatic relationship between Bangladesh and Timor-Leste was formally established on June 7, 2002, shortly after Timor-Leste gained its independence. Bangladesh played an instrumental role in supporting Timor-Leste in its post-independence recovery. Bangladesh’s peacekeeping forces made significant contributions to ensuring peace and stability in the war-torn country.

Upon arrival, President Ramos-Horta was welcomed at Dhaka's airport with formal ceremonies and then proceeded to his hotel. On Sunday, the first day of his visit, President Ramos-Horta is set to hold an exclusive meeting with Dr. Yunus, followed by a bilateral delegation-level meeting between the two countries. In the evening, the President will attend a state dinner hosted in his honor.

The second day of the visit, Monday, will see President Ramos-Horta paying tribute to the fallen heroes of Bangladesh’s Liberation War at the National Martyrs' Memorial in Savar. Following this, he will participate in events organized for Bangladesh’s 54th Victory Day celebrations. In the evening, he is scheduled to meet with Bangladesh’s President at the Bangabhaban.

On Tuesday, President Ramos-Horta will give a speech at the Bangladesh Institute of International and Strategic Studies (BIISS). Later that day, he will address students and youth in Bangladesh, sharing insights on Timor-Leste’s struggle for independence, his leadership role, and the aspirations of Timorese people post-independence, as well as how these aspirations are being realized.

During the visit, the two countries are expected to discuss bilateral cooperation in various fields, with a particular focus on signing agreements related to mutual visa exemptions for official and diplomatic passport holders. Furthermore, there are discussions to finalize a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on bilateral consultations between the two foreign ministries. A significant announcement expected from this visit is the establishment of an Honorary Consulate of Timor-Leste in Bangladesh, marking a new chapter in the two countries’ diplomatic relations.

This visit is a significant step in strengthening the relationship between Bangladesh and Timor-Leste, particularly in the areas of peace, development, and mutual collaboration. The growing diplomatic ties between the two countries hold promise for future cooperation.